Look at a shampoo’s ingredients and you’ll see a bewildering list of chemicals you’d be hard pressed to find on the Periodic Table.
Most of these chemicals are safe to apply daily. But if you wash your hair daily, these chemicals risk drying out your scalp, causing hair thinning, and even disrupting your hormones.
Here are five shampoo ingredients you may wish to avoid:
1. Sulfates: The Scalp Dryer
Sulfates are what give shampoo its foaming effect. Common sulfates used in shampoo are sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES).
But if applied too frequently, these sulfates can strip away your skin’s natural oils, leaving your scalp dry and your hair fragile.
So if you suffer from fragile hair or an itchy scalp, try switching to a sulfate-free shampoo for a gentler cleanse that keeps your natural oils intact.
2. Parabens: The Hormonal Disruptor
Parabens are preservatives that extend a shampoo’s shelf life. But this extended time on a shelf may be at the expense of your hormonal balance.
Mounting studies show that parabens are among the worst “hormone disrupting” chemicals. As after they’re absorbed into the body, parabens mimic the hormone estrogen. This then signals a hormonal imbalance that can result in hair thinning, accelerated skin aging, and it can even affect your emotional stability.
3. Formaldehyde: The Skin Irritator
The word ‘formaldehyde’ alone is enough to make your hair stand on end.
Used to prolong shelf life and combat bacteria, formaldehyde-releasing agents can be lurking in a shampoo’s ingredient lists under names like DMDM hydantoin and Diazolidinyl urea.
Despite being at low levels, repeated applications of formaldehyde-releasing agents can lead to scalp irritation and, by extension, potential hair loss.
4. Silicones: The Follicle Blocker
Silicones give your hair that irresistible, silky-smooth touch, momentarily convincing you that your hair is in peak health.
But when absorbed into the skin, silicones can build up in the scalp. These silicones then risk clogging your hair follicles—blocking the path to healthy hair growth.
5. Diethanolamine (DEA) and Triethanolamine (TEA): Keratin Killers
Last but certainly not least, DEA and TEA play roles in creating the creamy texture of shampoo.
However, DEA and TEA can also break down your hair’s natural keratin, a vital protein. Weakened protein structures mean weakened hair, which is more prone to shedding and thinning.
Replace Harsh Chemicals with Natural Ingredients for Healthier Hair
In moderation, shampoo provides your hair with volume and a luscious shine. But if you’re finding your hair is thinning, or your scalp is dry and irritated, it’s time to ditch chemical shampoos and opt for a gentler approach.
There’s now lots of organic shampoos made from natural ingredients to choose from. These shampoos are safer, gentler, and more eco-friendly than conventional shampoos. They can also improve the quality and appearance of your hair, by preserving its natural oils, moisture, and color.
Another option is to give Del Mar Labs’ RejuvaTress a try. It’s formulated based on a special P3 hair protocol that protects your hair follicles, provides nutrients for healthy hair growth, and pushes nutrients to your hair’s roots.
